Nancy Dale Jones, born in Dallas, Texas and a proud citizen of Austin, Texas, died in

Warrensburg, Missouri on October 7, 2024, at age 92. She had moved to Warrensburg

with her husband, poet and CMSC professor Robert C. Jones in 1961. They established

themselves in the many communities of their varied interests: education, politics, travel,

dance, music, art, literature, and gardening. Bob died in 2013.

Nancy was a civic-minded activist. She received a bachelor's degree in journalism from the

University of Texas. She always voted, was an associate of the Danforth Foundation, began

the League of Women Voters in Warrensburg and was behind the opening of the Planned

Parenthood clinic. She worked in the PR department of CMSU, turned to teaching at the

Writing Lab there, and took a master's degree in English from Central Missouri State

University, writing her thesis on the letters of Emily Dickinson.

Nancy was adventurous and independent, traveling and living abroad in Romania, England,

Greece, and Hungary. And she remained independent living at home, despite physical

hardships, until it was no longer possible. While at home, she loved art, classical music, the

ballet, and literature. Her house was full of books, paintings, and music. Guests were always

treated to a cup of coffee and a pastry from Andres in Kansas City.

Nancy was a creative person. During her life she sewed clothes and quilts, knitted,

finished many beautiful and intricate cross stitch pieces, hung wallpaper, upholstered

furniture, caned chairs. In the 1970's, she established a knitting group with like-minded

women - a group that lasted through the years though its original members have

dwindled. As an architectural preservationist, she refurbished two Warrensburg historic

houses. She researched both houses and had them placed on the National Register of

Historic Places (Herbert A. and Bettie E. Cress House and the Lewis and Sophie

Griebel House).

Nancy was a gardener. Her yard won best lawn of the year more than once and was

included in the garden walking tour of Warrensburg. She grew trees, shrubbery, and flowers,

heritage roses being her favorite.

Her final years were made easier by the support of her care-giver Robbyn McColligan, her

loving neighbors the Thomas family, and her friends throughout the decades and around the

world. Her husband Robert and son Christopher both preceded her in death. She is survived

by her three daughters: Susan, Robin, and Elizabeth (husband Wayne), and by her four

grandchildren: Brent (wife Hannah), Benjamin, Michael (partner Amanda), and Abagael

(partner Adira).

Arrangements were made under the direction of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home

in Warrensburg. There will be no service but memories to the family are appreciated.